Xena has decided to go modern. On July 21 TVLine posted the news that actress Lucy Lawless has joined the cast of "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D" in a recurring role for the second season. The role that Lawless will play is being kept tight under wraps, she is expected to appear in several episodes of the new season. The series follows agents of the secret Marvel organization called S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division), whose future is up in the air after the events of the first season.

Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Lawless, 46, is best known for playing the lead role of Xena on the popular television series "Xena: Warrior Princess," about a fearless warrior woman who helped right her past sins by defending the lives of the innocent with her fighting skills. The show, which was filmed in New Zealand, debuted in 1995 and ran for six seasons. The series was a spin-off of "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," and the character is so popular she received a cult following and Lawless makes annual appearances around the globe for fans.

The actress is expected to play the role of Mary Maloney, a character that is described as someone who can "command any room" and has some sex appeal. The role is recurring and Maloney is an agent who helps the organization regain it's future. The series was renewed for a full twenty-two episodes back in May, which are scheduled to start airing in mid September. Production on the second series has already begun and the casting news means that Lawless may begin appearing in the early episodes of the season.

On July 21 Comingsoon.net revealed that more details about what character Lawless will play are expected to be unveiled during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con. There will be a Marvel television panel on July 25 what will showcase many elements of season two, and last year during the panel the pilot episode of the series was screened for the audience. It's safe to say some surprises and spoilers will be revealed during the panel about the cast, characters and plot of season two.

The new season will premiere on ABC on September 23, keeping its Tuesday night time slot and will continue to air at 8 p.m. Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen are all returning as show runners and the new season is expected to have tie ins with "Avengers: Age of Ultron," which is directed by Joss Whedon and will release in theaters next summer. The principal cast is expected to return as well and more guest stars are likely to be announced in the coming days.